BRITON CLARKE SUSPENDED BY CHAMP CAR
Following an incident in this morning’s practice session,
British driver Dan Clarke has been barred from participating
in this weekend’s Champ Car Grand Prix of Belgium.
Champ Car Race Director Tony Cotman will make a decision
one week from today as to Clarke’s status for next week's
Assen event in the Netherlands - the Bavaria Beer Champ Car
Grand Prix of Holland Presented by Audi, Hertz, Gent and Pioneer.
On the opening lap of practice today at Zolder, Clarke and
Wilson made contact. Wilson subsequently collided with local
Belgian driver Jan Heylen as a result of the initial contact
with Clarke.
Heylen's car was extensively damaged - forcing the Conquest
Racing driver out of today's first qualifying session.
“This morning’s incident was totally unacceptable
and completely avoidable,” said Cotman.
“Dan was already on probation after previous incidents
in San Jose which helped lead me to my decision today.
"After the weekend is complete and I have a time to
review the incident without the raw emotion of the moment,
I will make a decision as to any further penalties against
Clarke.”
The Yorkshireman is coming off of his career best Champ Car
result, finishing second at Road America in the last event.
Clarke's probation resulted from an incident at the recent
San Jose Grand Prix where he collided with fellow Brits, Justin
Wilson and Katherine Legge.
Clarke has made 24 starts in his Champ Car career, finishing
on the podium twice and earning one career pole position.
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